Pages

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

If the blogosphere was one gianormous high school, Alex J. Cavanaugh would be the cool senior that everyone knows - the one who never needs an introduction or a last name for that matter. It doesn't matter what circle you run in, the second someone mentions "Alex" or the "Ninja Captain," everyone in the conversation has something to say about him.

A month into starting my blog when I was still pretty clueless and naive about this whole blogging thing, Matt MacNish referenced him in an interview I posted (making me the clueless freshman transfer student and MacNish one of his cool senior friends). After checking his website, noticing he ran with ALL the cool kids, and seeing how many comments he gets every time he posts, his rock star status was undeniably confirmed.

The first time Alex commented on one of my posts, I'm pretty sure I blushed and ran and told my husband who did not appreciate what a big deal that was. Cool senior boy waving to insecure new transfer student/freshman in a crowded hallway = BIG DEAL. After all, my existence as a blogger had just been confirmed. I was pretty damn sure that once Alex J. Cavanaugh visited my site, my dream agent was wouldn't be far behind him contract in hand.....still waiting for that one.....
But then Alex kept stopping by. And he turned out to be this really nice, supportive person who is genuine and funny. I'm pretty sure the cool senior kid usually turns out to be a douchbag. Alex - I'm happy to discover you're not a douchbag. Instead, you're a truly wonderful person I've enjoyed getting to know this past year. While you've remained a mystery in many ways by never posting a picture of yourself, I'm pretty sure I've got you pegged.

What does Alex look like?

Easy. He's a dead ringer for my uncle Greg. Since none of you have the pleasure of knowing him, I'll paint a very clear picture and segue into the next question....My uncle Greg is a perfect mix of Jeff Goldblum and Tom Skerrit.

Who would play Alex in a documentary?

Tom Skerrit. He's just a bit more suave than Goldblum. HOWEVER, for the scenes where Alex is playing the guitar, we might have to have Golblum stand in - like a body double, if you will. I don't think Tom Skerrit can pull off playing the guitar as well.

Who does Alex remind you of?

Gotta stick with my intro for this one.....the cool kid in high school who ironically doesn't turn out to be a douchbag once you get to know him.

To Mrs. Cavanaugh:

I think you're absolutely lovely. I love when Alex writes about you. I love that he enjoys spending time with you. I love how in love with you Alex obviously is. If possible, I think you, Mrs. Cavanaugh, might be on a taller pedestal than Alex because of your willingness to share him with us all.

Dammit! I've run out of time for the BEST part of this blogfest....the flash fiction paragraph. Good thing I feel very confident that I have nailed what Alex looks like. I did, didn't I? I look forward to reading everyone else's flash fiction pieces.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Why is it so hard to believe the good stuff? I never do - NEVER - not when it comes to writing. If a CP writes a positive note, I think, "That was very sweet of her to say." If a CP writes something negative, I immediately jump to the conclusion that I'm the world's worst writer and should quit now before I waste years of my life chasing a pipe dream I'll never reach. This is immediately followed by many glasses of wine and days of moping until I get around to slowly building myself up again realizing that I'm not the WORLD'S worst writer - that's silly. Surely someone out there sucks more than I do.

It's almost worse if that comment is constructive or makes a really good point. If I actually agree with a CP's negative comment, then it's so much harder to write her off as a jerk who feels inferior by my stellar writing skills and only wants to rip me apart to make herself feel better...OR (an even better excuse)...He's just an idiot who just doesn't get me, my writing, my characters and how much time I spent perfecting the scene he's riping apart. (Just to be clear - aka in case they are reading this post - I actually LOVE my CPs and Betas to death - especially when they rip me apart).

Is anyone actually able to wallow in all of the positive feedback and not feel totally crushed when they hear something negative? If so, what's your secret?

Monday, December 3, 2012

December...really? December already? How did that sneak up on me so quickly? I didn't have a lot of time to surf around for the happenings hitting the blogosphere this past week. If I missed something, let me know!

Looking forward to IWSG this Wednesday!

Contests:

Pitch Wars. 31 agented authors or industry interns "coaches" will be teaming up with aspiring authors. Nov 26 coaches will post the genres they are interested in working with. Dec 5 aspiring authors will apply to their 3 top choices for coaches. If picked, each coach will read and give comments about your entire manuscript and query. Jan 23-24 Agents will read pitches and make requests. See any of the coaches' sites for details like Monica B.W's site Love YA!

Jessa Russo and Tamara aka Feaky Snucker are hosting Holiday Pitchfest on December 4-6. They are having a workshop on Dec 4 to hone your pitch followed by a blog pitch party AND a Twitter pitch party the next two days. See THIS POST for a list of participating editors and agents.

Romantic Friday Writers is hosting Holiday Spirit Blogfest. They are looking for excerpts of up to 800 words (fiction or nonfiction) that focus on a family tradition, unique family recipes, inspirational articles - anything that captures the holiday spirit of whichever holiday you celebrate. The linky will be open from Dec 12-31.

Morgan Shamy, Mark Koopmans, David Powers King and Stephen Trempare hosting Cheers, Cavanaugh Blogfeston Dec 10-12. Pay tribute to rock-star blogger Alex Cavanaugh by answering questions that describe him: What does he look like? Who would play him in a documentary? Who does Alex remind you of? There is a bit of flash fiction fun and you can comment to Mrs. Cavanaugh for bonus points. Since Cavanaugh is such an enigma, these answers will be fun to read. The prize is one of the best parts... signed copy of CassaStar or a picture of Alex and a download of him playing his guitar (either of which are not to be shared online). The masterminding behind this one cracks me up. Well done Morgan, Mark, David and Stephen!

Word and Stuff is hostingBaby Faces Blogfeston Dec 2-3. For Trisha's first blogfest celebrating her blogiversary, post a picture of yourself as a baby/toddler or tell a story about yourself when you were a baby.

Tyrean Martinson and M. Pax are hosting Hobbit Fest. To celebrate the movie's release, Tyrean and M. Pax have four Hobbit related questions for you to answer. Dec 14.

Giveaways:

Smitten Over Books is giving away a pre-order for one of 11 upcoming new releases next year. Ends Dec 25.

Monday, November 26, 2012

What do David Spade, Alex Cavanaugh and the Hobbit all have in common? They make up the oh-so creative themes of December's blogfests!

I hope you all had plenty to be thankful for this past week. Happy Monday!

Contests:

Pitch Wars. 31 agented authors or industry interns "coaches" will be teaming up with aspiring authors. Nov 26 coaches will post the genres they are interested in working with. Dec 5 aspiring authors will apply to their 3 top choices for coaches. If picked, each coach will read and give comments about your entire manuscript and query. Jan 23-24 Agents will read pitches and make requests. See any of the coaches' sites for details like Monica B.W's site Love YA!

Operation Awesome is hosting a Mystery Agent contest on December 1. Enter your one sentence pitch for a chance to win a full MS request! The Mystery Agent is looking for YA and MG. See site for subgenres.

Women on Writing is hosting a flash fiction contest due Nov 30. Open prompt should be 750 words or less. The contest will be judged by agent Jessica Sinsheimer.

Savvy Authors is hosting a Pitch Your Book opportunity to Kerri Nelson of Prism Book Group on Nov 30.

Romantic Friday Writers is hosting Holiday Spirit Blogfest. They are looking for excerpts of up to 800 words (fiction or nonfiction) that focus on a family tradition, unique family recipes, inspirational articles - anything that captures the holiday spirit of whichever holiday you celebrate. The linky will be open from Dec 12-31.

Morgan Shamy, Mark Koopmans, David Powers King and Stephen Trempare hosting Cheers, Cavanaugh Blogfeston Dec 10-12. Pay tribute to rock-star blogger Alex Cavanaugh by answering questions that describe him: What does he look like? Who would play him in a documentary? Who does Alex remind you of? There is a bit of flash fiction fun and you can comment to Mrs. Cavanaugh for bonus points. Since Cavanaugh is such an enigma, these answers will be fun to read. The prize is one of the best parts... signed copy of CassaStar or a picture of Alex and a download of him playing his guitar (either of which are not to be shared online). The masterminding behind this one cracks me up. Well done Morgan, Mark, David and Stephen!

Word and Stuff is hostingBaby Faces Blogfeston Dec 2-3. For Trisha's first blogfest celebrating her blogiversary, post a picture of yourself as a baby/toddler or tell a story about yourself when you were a baby.

Tyrean Martinson and M. Pax are hosting Hobbit Fest. To celebrate the movie's release, Tyrean and M. Pax have four Hobbit related questions for you to answer. Dec 14.

Giveaways:

The Giveaway of all Giveaways....Beth Revis is giving away nearly 50 signed books - and amazing titles at that. Seriously - go to her site just to see the list she's complied. Ends Nov 30.

Smitten Over Books is giving away a pre-order for one of 11 upcoming new releases next year. Ends Dec 25.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving week! I have so much to be thankful for this holiday season. At the very top of that list are family and friends - new friends, old friends, blogging friends...I'm very lucky to have such great people in my life. Safe travels for those of you traveling this week! May you all be surrounded be good company and good food.

Contests:

Pitch Wars. 31 agented authors or industry interns "coaches" will be teaming up with aspiring authors. Nov 26 coaches will post the genres they are interested in working with. Dec 5 aspiring authors will apply to their 3 top choices for coaches. If picked, each coach will read and give comments about your entire manuscript and query. Jan 23-24 Agents will read pitches and make requests. See any of the coaches' sites for details like Monica B.W's site Love YA!

Women on Writing is hosting a flash fiction contest due Nov 30. Open prompt should be 750 words or less. The contest will be judged by agent Jessica Sinsheimer.

Savvy Authors is hosting a Pitch Your Book opportunity to Kerri Nelson of Prism Book Group on Nov 30.

Romantic Friday Writers is hosting Holiday Spirit Blogfest. They are looking for excerpts of up to 800 words (fiction or nonfiction) that focus on a family tradition, unique family recipes, inspirational articles - anything that captures the holiday spirit of whichever holiday you celebrate. The linky will be open from Dec 12-31.

MizB at Should Be Reading has several weekly events: Musing Mondays, Teaser Tuesdays, WWW Wednesdays and Friday Finds. For Musing Mondays, MizB asks and book/reading related question and you answer on your blog. Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme where you share 2 sentences from your current read to entice others to read it. For WWW Wednesdays, you share what you're reading, what you've just finished, and what you think you'll read next. Friday Finds shares books you've heard about throughout the week. See her site for details.

Alison Can Read and Parajunkie host Feature and Follow Friday. Want to build your followers? Sign up on their linky to meet new bloggers. Follow them, leave a comment and they will follow you. Once a week, one blogger is featured. See their site for more details.

Tyrean Martinson and M. Pax are hosting Hobbit Fest. To celebrate the movie's release, Tyrean and M. Pax have four Hobbit related questions for you to answer. Dec 14.

Giveaways:

The Giveaway of all Giveaways....Beth Revis is giving away nearly 50 signed books - and amazing titles at that. Seriously - go to her site just to see the list she's complied. Ends Nov 30.

Tara Tyler and Cassie Mae have reached 500 followers and are giving away fabulous prizes to celebrate: a blog banner designed by Tara and a critique by Cassie. Ends Nov 21.

Smitten Over Books is giving away a pre-order for one of 11 upcoming new releases next year. Ends Dec 25.

(2) Hope Roberson - You can still find Hope over at Falling For Fiction, but some of my favorite posts from Hope have been on her own blog. Hope's had a very busy fall season that will likely continue into the winter. Hope has a very witty writing style that pinpoints exactly what I'm thinking or feeling in a humorous way.

For the second part, people I'd miss if they stopped blogging. This list is even harder....I have about 30 blogs that I love to visit as often as I can and then others that I stop by less often and find myself asking why I don't stop by there more. I love our hosts' blogs, Alex, Matt and Andrew, I've somehow negated them in my mind because they are our hosts (and that way I can still mention them and then mention more people).

(2) Eeks! I had about ten other people I wanted to mention like Julie DeGuia for her Wordless Wednesday posts that I love and Suzy for The Big Reveal posts that are always so fascinating...but I've run out of writing time this morning!

This is my last official day of maternity leave. The family and I are off to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and I'm running late (which is oh, so rare for me.....)

Each of these ladies is a seriously talented writer that can make just about any topic interesting!!

MizB at Should Be Reading has several weekly events: Musing Mondays, Teaser Tuesdays, WWW Wednesdays and Friday Finds. For Musing Mondays, MizB asks and book/reading related question and you answer on your blog. Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme where you share 2 sentences from your current read to entice others to read it. For WWW Wednesdays, you share what you're reading, what you've just finished, and what you think you'll read next. Friday Finds shares books you've heard about throughout the week. See her site for details.

Alison Can Read and Parajunkie host Feature and Follow Friday. Want to build your followers? Sign up on their linky to meet new bloggers. Follow them, leave a comment and they will follow you. Once a week, one blogger is featured. See their site for more details.

To celebrate the release of her book, Haphazardly Implausible, Miss Jack Lewis Baillot is hosting a Book Blog Party. Sign up to be featured on her blog and write about your book or recent project. Sign up before Nov 14. Posts will be featured Dec 17-22 and Jan 7-12.

Tyrean Martinson and M. Pax are hosting Hobbit Fest. To celebrate the movie's release, Tyrean and M. Pax have four Hobbit related questions for you to answer. Dec 14.

Giveaways:

Sharon Bayliss is hosting agiveaway that supports the American Red Cross. Curiosity Quills is donating half of all proceeds for several of their books. To add her support, Sharon is giving them away. Enter the Rafflecopter for your chance to win them from her and support a great cause!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

I like to end on a positive. Because of it, let's start with Insecure Writer's Support Group.

This month marks the end of an era. After Thanksgiving, my maternity leave is officially over, and I return to work. My writing time has already deteriorated...and I'm mostly okay with that. My boys are my first priority and they've needed me these past few months. Not only have they needed me, I've loved my time with them. But once I return to work, what happens to my writing time then? What happens to blogging or critiquing or the pursuit of something I love and believe in and want to be good and successful at? (We're ignoring the horrible grammar in that last sentence.) Time is already limited. What will happen to it once I return to work?

(and now for my lame attempt at a natural transition between the two blog hops)

Blogging and visiting blogs has already taken quite a hit these last few months as life has gotten busier and of course, more beautiful. I'm so thankful to those of you who have stuck with me. I'm thankful for those of you who read my posts and leave comments. I'm thankful to those of you that I email weekly. I'm thankful for so many other writers, moms, teachers, Packer fans, NICU survivors and parents, Chicago residents, Ohio residents that I've connected with at some point this year. I've never believed I would feel like I'd developed relationships through this crazy blogging thing we do.

I'm thankful for my CPs and Beta readers - those who have kicked my ass with a 10 page critique, those who have read the whole damn thing, those who have volunteered to read it, and those who have read the same first chapter 642 times for every time I've rewritten it. I hate to name names....I feel like I'm going to leave someone out and I'm terribly nervous about it...but a special thanks to CPs and Betas Neil, Patrick, Dahlia, Carmen, Hope and Ryan. All of you are such amazing writers - thank you for the encouragement, the feedback and sometimes the smacking around you've given me and my MS.

Last but not least, I'm incredibly thankful for my real life friends and family who have no real interest in the writing process but still read my blog anyway. Thanks Jackie, Trende and Mom. ;)

Monday, November 5, 2012

Happy NaNoMo for those of you ambitious enough to participate! One post I came across that I wanted to pass on was Krista Van Dolzer's Two Writerly Ways to Help Those Affected by Superstorm Sandy.She mentions some great opportunities for a good cause. I'll be back for my dual post on Wednesday for IWSG and I'm Thankful for My Readers Blog Hops. Until then, let me know if I missed anything!

Happy Monday!

Contests:

Miss Snark's First Victimher third annual Baker's Dozen contest with 13 agents. YA/MG submissions are Nov 6 and Nov 8. Submissions include the first 250 of your MS.

NA Alley is hosting Agent in the Alley with Julia Weber for NA manuscripts on Nov 7. Include a blurb about your book (no more than 200 words) and the first 250-300 words.

Women on Writing is hosting a flash fiction contest due Nov 30. Open prompt should be 750 words or less. The contest will be judged by agent Jessica Sinsheimer.

Writer's Digest is holding a Short Story competition. Enter your story by Nov 15 of 1500 words or less for a chance to win $3000, national exposure and a paid trip to the Writer's Digest conference in NYC.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

In lieu of my end of the week post, I thought I'd try a Wordless Wednesday post. I've seen several of you do this, particularly Julie DeGuia who takes the most beautiful pictures. With Halloween quickly becoming one of my favorite holidays, I just couldn't resist.

I'm pretty sure I'm already past my zero word limit.

Once a cheater, always a cheater.

May you all have a safe, dry, worry-free, hurricane-free, happy Halloween full of chocolate and wonder!

Monday, October 29, 2012

Happy Halloween Week! There are lots of fun blog hops helping us celebrate the scary holiday. For those of you joining NaNoWriMo next month, Cupid is going to be helping keep people accountable by sharing your results as you go. Click HERE for details!

Contests:

Miss Snark's First Victimher third annual Baker's Dozen contest with 13 agents. Oct 30. Submissions include the first 250 of your MS.

NA Alley is hosting Agent in the Alley with Julia Weber for NA manuscripts on Nov 7. Include a blurb about your book (no more than 200 words) and the first 250-300 words.

Women on Writing is hosting a flash fiction contest due Nov 30. Open prompt should be 750 words or less. The contest will be judged by agent Jessica Sinsheimer.

Cally Jackson is hosting The Year I turned 18 Blogfest to celebrate the release of her New Adult novel The Big Smoke. Post about something from the year you turned 18. Pictures are encouraged! Oct 29-Nov 2.

Tim Brannen of The Other Side is hosting Montrous Monday on Oct 29. Write about a monster you like/hate/love or one you created in your own book.

Confessions of a Bookaholic and A Life Bound By Books is having a huge Haunted Halloween giveaway of signed books, ARCs and swag for each day in October. There are still plenty of chances to win some really great prizes.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

You know you're a nerd when the man you'd leave your husband for is the author of your favorite book.

But let's be honest, the other contenders are all problematic.

(1) Jake Gyllenhal - beautiful, but likely full of himself

(2) Aaron Rogers - athletic and beautiful, but too young and likely full of himself
(3) Matt Damon - mix Bourne Identity Matt Damon with Ocean's Eleven Matt Damon and he'd be pretty close to perfect....but fictional

However, Markus Zusak, author of The Book Thief, (not that I needed to say that I'm sure), has it all: charming, brilliant, wrote the most beautiful book I've ever read, and speaks with an Australian accent.

Monday night I had a chance to meet him (aka hear him speak). I put on my skinniest pair of maternity pants (yes I'm still wearing maternity pants 10 wks after giving birth and no I'm not bitter about that) and headed downtown to the Harold Washington Library where he discussed his reaction to The Book Thief's success. I must admit I was a bit worried that he wouldn't live up to my expectations. After all, I'd already declared him "the man I'd leave my husband for" after my third reading of The Book Thief. Thankfully, he ended up being as humble, funny, and articulate as I'd hoped.

He spoke about how writing the first half of The Book Thief took him several years, while he wrote the second half in one month. He shared the real life experiences he drew on to write The Book Thief - something I always enjoy hearing. My favorite part of Zusak's discussion perhaps was when he talked about writing and editing. He said he failed thousands of times writing The Book Thief. But every one of those failures was a step closer to its ultimate success - one that has lasted over 260 weeks on the NYT best seller list. I love that.

At the end of the discussion, people had the chance to have him sign books, which I didn't stick around for. I had a house full of boys at home needing baths, hugs, and nighttime stories. Probably for the best. Any time I meet someone I admire, I inevitably say something stupid making me look like the world's biggest idiot. Zusak, no doubt, would have reacted to my awkward behavior in a way that confirmed it and then he would have been ruined. I couldn't possibly leave my husband for a man that finds me awkward - that just wouldn't work. Instead, by leaving without meeting him, Zusak keeps his pedestal, while I keep my dignity....and, of course, my wonderful husband.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Just spent a fun, pretty perfect weekend gearing up for Halloween - exactly what is needed heading into a stressful week ahead. I would LOVE to hear some of your happy thoughts to keep the positive energy going. Please feel free to leave them. And, as always, let me know if I'm missing something.

Miss Snark's First Victim is hosting a Secret Agent Contest on Oct 22. Submissions include the first 250 of your MS. her third annual Baker's Dozen contest with 13 agents. Oct 30.

Ben Chiles of Story Multiverse is hosting a contest called Narrate This!From Oct 21-27, Ben will be taking up to 50 entries of your first 750 words and a 500 word synopsis. From those entries, he'll choose one winner and two runners up to win part of their manuscript narrated by Ben. The winner will receive 3000 words (can be anywhere in your MS) narrated by Ben. Runners up will receive 750 words each. I love this unique opportunity!

Women on Writing is hosting a flash fiction contest due Nov 30. Open prompt should be 750 words or less. The contest will be judged by agent Jessica Sinsheimer.

Jenny Matlock at Off On My Tangenthosts Saturday Census, a flash fiction blog hop. Writers respond to a prompt, writing style and word count. She also hosts Alphabe-Thursday, a blog hop featuring posts on each letter of the alphabet.

To celebrate the upcoming release of her novella, Kyra Lennon is hosting the Letting Go Bloghop. Post about a time when you had to let go of someone or something. This can true or it can be flash fiction. Must be under 500 words. The most touching entry will get a $10 Amazon gift certificate. If nothing else, stop by to check out her beautiful cover to NA novella If I Let You Go. Oct 22.

Cally Jackson is hosting The Year I turned 18 Blogfest to celebrate the release of her New Adult novel The Big Smoke. Post about something from the year you turned 18. Pictures are encouraged! Oct 29-Nov 2.